James Mason Owen (November 11, 1903 – July 12, 1972) served as mayor of Branson, Missouri, for 12 years.
Jim Owen was an advertising manager for a Jefferson City newspaper before he came to the Ozarks in 1933 on a visit to Branson.
Before he died in 1972, he had owned a drug store, movie theater and an auto dealership.
But Jim Owen became known for his other business venture—he set up the largest and most successful Ozark float fishing operation of that day.
His success sparked national attention, giving area tourism a big boost.